CPJ publishes Sara Qudah’s criticism of journalist entry decisions

CPJ publishes Sara Qudah’s criticism of journalist entry decisions

Not only does Israel continue to prevent foreign journalists from independently entering Gaza, it is now openly denying them entry to Israel and the West Bank based on their past reporting, public statements and opinions,

CPJ published this statement by its regional director Sara Qudah on 17 June 2026. The quotation records her stated criticism, not an independent finding that reporting motivated every entry decision. CPJ is an advocacy organization and participated in the Gaza access litigation. Its article distinguishes documented reasons in some cases from journalists’ suspicions in others, and says missing public data prevents determining total refusals or an increase. The article includes PIBA’s denial of a policy refusing journalists and its explanation that decisions are individual under the Entry into Israel Law; the Government Press Office said visa policy had not changed. Gaza access restrictions concern unaccompanied entry with military embeds excepted; individual Israel/West Bank visa decisions are a separate issue. This is a historical attributed position, not verification of current policy, unlawful conduct, discriminatory intent, the allegations elsewhere in the article or liability of any named person.

CPJ publishes Sara Qudah’s criticism of journalist entry decisions

Bottom-source disposition: publisher evidence of attributed reporting only. CPJ published this statement by its regional director Sara Qudah on 17 June 2026. The quotation records her stated criticism, not an independent finding that reporting motivated every entry decision. CPJ is an advocacy organization and participated in the Gaza access litigation. Its article distinguishes documented reasons in some cases from journalists’ suspicions in others, and says missing public data prevents determining total refusals or an increase. The article includes PIBA’s denial of a policy refusing journalists and its explanation that decisions are individual under the Entry into Israel Law; the Government Press Office said visa policy had not changed. Gaza access restrictions concern unaccompanied entry with military embeds excepted; individual Israel/West Bank visa decisions are a separate issue. This is a historical attributed position, not verification of current policy, unlawful conduct, discriminatory intent, the allegations elsewhere in the article or liability of any named person.